The enlargement of boots or any other type of shoe is one service most requested. There are many reasons for widening a boot. So, how to stretch calf boots?
How to Stretch Calf Boots?
Leather boots which go all the way to a calf are available in many types of work boots styles and shapes for both women and men. But if you are struggling to put on your new boots, explore some nifty calf stretching procedures and techniques.
Essential Equipments
- Socks
- Rubbing alcohol
- Spray
- Shoe stretching spray
- Newspaper
- Towel
- Shoe Stretcher
Method 1: Wear a thick pair of socks to stretch the leather
Wear a thick pair of socks in order to stretch the leather. Let’s put on the cushioned socks when wearing boots. Leather is supple and shapes, although some kinds of leather can be stiffer than the remaining ones.
Evaluate the suppleness of the leather as well as the stretch needed, then adjust your socks’ the thickness accordingly. In the case that you have stiff boots which require much stretching, double your hosiery.
Method 2: Do the professionals usually do
You can mix equal amounts of rubbing water and alcohol, place that mixture in the spray bottle. Next, spray lightly inside the boots. Any shoemaker can use the same mixture in order to stretch all leather goods. Then, slip on immediately and this action can loosen up and adapt them to your shape. Repeat such process until getting the desired results.
Method 3: Purchase a spray for stretching leather shoes
Purchase a spray for stretching leather shoes at a shoe repair store, shoe store or another retailer. Those products are designed to stretch leather boots, shoes, and gloves. You only have to spray the inside of your boots before putting them on straight away. However, be careful as there are lighter tones of leather as they can discolor.
[su_amazon asin=”B07Q5JKY53″]Method 4: Go to a shoe repair store
Go to a shoe repair store if you have tried various methods and still are not getting the best results. A shoe repair professional has special mechanical stretching devices and is familiar with the different leather. If your shoe requires considerable stretching, go to the shoemaker first and pay a small fee.
Method 5: Store your boots properly
Store your boots properly. Stuff the stems with newspaper or a rolled-up towel. This can work if your boots only need a little stretching or if you put them away after breaking them.
Instruction Video
Here is the instruction for stretching leather boots to fit your calves.
Here are some “how to stretch their boots” tips:
These tips will provide you with the steps to achieving the perfect fit for your boots. Follow this guide and learn how to stretch your calf boots like a pro!
1) Begin by laying down all of your boots on one side of the room.
2) Go to your local Target or Walmart and buy some stretch spray. This can be found in the shoe department. It is a clear spray; it should provide you with the extra stretch you seek.
3) Spray both boots twice over the entire calf area.
4) Put on the boot and add a thick sock to cover your foot. The thicker sock will provide extra room for the spray to settle in and create more space for your boot.
5) Make sure you wear thick socks as they provide the best fit. Finally, tie the boot in a tight bun around your leg to ensure maximum fit.
6) Walk around for about an hour or two and repeat steps 2-5 over and over until the desired effect is achieved.
7) Wear the boot for at least three days straight in order to stretch them out.
8) You may want to purchase a second pair of socks to wear in order to really take advantage of the stretching process.
9) After you have worn your boots for about three days, try them on and see how they feel. If desired, repeat the stretching process over again. This time, aim for at least four days of regular wear.
10) Once you have achieved an accurate fit then keep them on for as long as you can without washing them (2-3 months). Doing this will prevent the leather from cracking and will increase its overall life span.
The Best Method for Widening Boots
Necessary equipment
- Plastic bag
- Warm water
- Spray
- Freezer
Fill a bag with water
The first method you can use to widen your beloved tight leather boots is simple. Get a plastic bag and fill it with boiling water. Create a knot so that the water does not come out of the bag and tuck the bag inside the boot.
You can also use a resealable plastic bag that is much more convenient and safer. It will reduce the risk of it breaking in the freezer.
Freeze the boots
If the part that bothers your foot the most is on the side of the toes, place the bag inside the shoe right on the toe. Then, fill the empty part with a crumpled newspaper to spread the boot evenly.
In this way, the bag with the water will create a certain weight that will widen the part of the shoe that you have chosen. Make sure the water presses against all sides of the boot that need to be spread out. Otherwise, the shoes may not spread out evenly.
You will have to close the boot inside the freezer for about ten hours. So, the frozen water will create some pressure on the leather of the boot, enlarging the desired part. After removing the boot from the freezer, we must allow the ice to thaw for at least 15 minutes before removing it. Try on the boots to check if the procedure was successful. If not, repeat the process to widen them more.
Use a specific spray
A simple method to widen leather shoes is to wear thick socks, especially in the early days. The latter will push and widen the leather of the shoe. To avoid walking strangely, try this process indoors.
Even if you will initially have aching feet, it is one of the oldest and most working methods. If these methods do not convince you and you want to try another way to enlarge your boots, there are sprays for the enlargement of the leather of the shoes.
Then, test the spray on one corner of the shoe before damaging it excessively. Some sprays may not be safe for all skin types. It is advisable to read the label before proceeding with the application. The product should be applied directly to the problem area, making sure they spread evenly.
4 Other Techniques to Enlarge Boots
We have all lived this uncomfortable moment when our small shoes make us suffer excruciatingly. It brings friction, compressed toes, blisters, redness, sweating, and even bleeding are all unwanted effects that we suffer when we want to put on our shoes.
Besides, these injuries then make our sore feet impossible to put on for several days, unless bandages and compresses under thick socks. You can avoid all these inconveniences thanks to our four infallible techniques to enlarge shoes. By using simple everyday objects, you will enlarge all your new shoes, and gain a few millimeters, or even half a size, on shoes that are too small for you but that you need!
First, you will understand, the best tip for widening shoes is the freezer. You will need your shoes, a large bag, a freezer and time, nothing could be simpler. If you prefer not to risk the cold or ice water damaging your precious shoes, you can also use the same technique with hot water. Fill two freezer bags with boiling water, place them in your shoes overnight, take them off the next day. Then, the shoes will be relaxed and enlarged.
If you do not have freezer bags or do not want to apply this trick, there are 4 other ways to widen boots.
Newsprint
It is another simple technique to enlarge shoes with the material you have at home. Take the newspaper, moisten it slightly, and make several tight balls. Then, slip the balls into your shoes to fill all the space.
Leave to air dry for 24 hours, you will get enlarged and softer shoes. It is a good way to widen leather shoes, especially if you repeat the operation several times.
Thick Socks
Here is a great way to make your shoes while making them bigger, and you will also avoid hurting yourself by ripping or rubbing your skin. Take out your ski socks, football socks, or your winter wool socks.
Finally, what you have are the thicker boots. You can wear them with your new shoes at home for an hour or go shopping with them. The fact of wearing thick socks for a short time prevents blisters and expands the field of shoes. Move your feet well inside to stretch the shoe and repeat the operation at will.
Shoe Trees
This old-fashioned item whose name you did not know before reading this article is useful. It is a shoe retractor long used by shoemakers to play on the width and length of shoes without deforming them.
Play shoemaker too and use shoe trees in your tightest shoes, especially leather and suede shoes, spraying dilator on them first. We prefer a solid wood shoe tree for leather, while we can use metal or plastic on more ordinary pairs. Your shoes will be delicately softened and enlarged.
Massage to Relax
Like us, shoes need the care to relax. So, you can make them as flexible as possible by massaging them with petroleum jelly, glycerin, or castor oil. Be careful! This technique for making shoes larger is to be avoided on suede or suede leather.
All you have to do now is to experiment with these techniques as much as you want. The only things not to do being to break the soles by folding the shoes in half and drying them or heating them in the hairdryer. It will damage the shoe, material, and shoe glue.
Use Shoe Stretcher
You can use shoe stretchers for the height, width, or length that give more space for your feet. However, the process would take you around 8 hours to get results.
Show Style with Women’s Chunky Calf Boots
Footwear in clothing plays a far from the secondary role. In reality, shoes or boots play a primary role in the composition of one’s clothing.
It happens sometimes, especially after the purchase of leather boots that the latter can fit tight. It becomes necessary to adopt procedures so that they can expand. So, how to stretch calf boots? This guide focuses precisely on this aspect. Let’s see how to widen leather boots.
However, we recommend carrying out the various procedures to avoid potential damage to your leather boots. Because we must treat this kind of material in the right way. Here’s how to proceed.
“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise, it is not luxury,” said Coco Chanel. To walk your daily traits with a sure-footed step, you can invest in a pair of wide-legged boots.
They will not only guarantee you comfort but also a trendy look. Do you have any doubts? We will dissolve them in a moment! Wide-legged boots reign in living rooms as both girls’ next door and world celebrities wear them. Let us convince you they are also for you! Wide calves do not make many women sleep at night, especially when they have to wear high shoes. Here something tightens, there it causes blisters, a real torment!
Shoes, and clothes, should be adapted to the body. Choosing high shoes, pay attention not only to the size but also to the circumference of the boot. Wide leg boots are popular with celebrities. They are incredibly comfortable and functional shoes. Not only do they not limit the movements, but it is possible to fit inside the pants, which shows the unique outfit of Chiara Ferragni.
However, celebrities are more likely to combine baggy boots with jumpsuit dresses or jumpsuits. With the example of Elisabetta Canalis, create a boho-style combination and match the wide brown suede boots with a light white dress. Do you focus on minimalism and elegance? Inspired by Elisabetta Gregoraci’s style, wearing wide white leather boots and an insufficient light blue jumpsuit suit.
Widening a Leather Boot, Is It Possible?
We should understand that leather is a living and extensible material. Many people do not realize that it is always a skin capable of breathing, drying, and hydrating.
It depends on the treatment we are subjected to. A skilled craft worker with the right tools can work on widening a pair of boots. For this reason, he will use specialized tools such as the boot expander (calves, instep, or the entire leg). Not to mention the FA16 conforming product, it is the most effective fabric softener on the market, provided you use it wisely.
What If My Boot Has a Zipper or Laces?
There are endless types and models of boots and shoes. Everyone must have one boot for all occasions. But suddenly, can we expand any type of boots for women or men? Each shoe is unique. And some boots have fixtures or accessories that can make the enlargement exercise a little more complex. There is likely a suitable method to make your favorite boots bigger and wider.
The instep of a shoe is the part that surrounds the foot itself. It derives this expression from the term elbow foot, designated in the 19th century.
Here are some effective steps if your boots have zippers:
The first step you should do is trying on the boots and putting your legs into them, then zip the zippers up tightly. After that, take off your boots and leave them for at least 24 hours. Next, you should try it again and put your feet into the boots accordingly. If they feel too tight for you, then just wear socks to avoid hurting your skin.
NOTE: It is a good idea to make sure the boots are adequate for your leg length before starting the stretching process.
The second thing you should do is warming up your heels on a surface that is relatively soft, and then when it’s time to stretch, put a towel under your heels. After that, put on your boots and raise your feet up in order to touch the back of your toes with the back of your heels against the wall behind you. Make sure that you keep an even balance throughout the whole process.
Finally, you should apply some soothing lotion to help reduce the pain that you feel.
Wrong Methods to Widen a Boot
You will find on the Internet a lot of absurd recipes to make your boots bigger. Here are the top 3 of the worst false ideas to widen a boot:
- Put a bag full of water in your boot, then leave it in the freezer: Obviously, the leather will not appreciate at all. With a little luck, the bag will leak into your shoes.
- Put your boots in the hairdryer and wear them with thick socks: It is a method that has the advantage of making you suffer together with your poor shoes. This method is a fine example of solidarity. Buying leather in contact with heat shrinks more.
- Spray 70-degree alcohol on your boots before putting them on: After all, why use professional quality products when you can just as easily attack your leather with a corrosive and unsuitable household product? Besides, it is polluting.
So, no more jokes! To effectively enlarge your boots, the best solution is still to entrust them to a pro. With the help of genuine specialized products and suitable stretching devices, a good shoemaker will know how to expand the leather of your shoes naturally.
It is important to know how to work this living material at a pace and with effective tools. Then, it will allow you to have a satisfying result without distorting the original line of the boot.
FAQs
How do you stretch tight boots?
Let us first give you some important advice. Do not be an experimenter by performing risky surgeries on shoes. Enlarging boot uppers is the job of a skilled cobbler or furrier.
The masters of the footwear industry will widen the upper, considering the material for which the shoes are made. A common solution is to insert an elastic band near the zipper or cut the upper at the seam. This service costs little and will improve your comfort. In this case, you can widen the upper by several centimeters.
If you have trouble closing the boots at the calf, lower the upper a little. In this way, you can close the zip in the place where the circumference of the leg is narrowest, then raise the cuff.
Can boots be altered to fit my calves?
A look is finalized once the shoes and accessories are harmoniously chosen. A beautiful pair of boots or ankle boots can only enhance your look this winter.
The cold is fast-approaching and boots/ankle boots will soon become essential. They keep warm, are comfortable, and there are a thousand and one ways to wear them. The boots are versatile and come in many styles and heights. This variety leads to a choice difficulty. Some ankle boots can be difficult to pair.
How to wear calf boots if you have thick calves?
To be honest, these tricks are also good for those with very thin calves because as in all things we talk about is the balance of proportions. And just choose the right ones to change the appearance of our body.
Needless to specify that if your goal is to slim the leg, avoid boots plates, and without heels. Even a kitten heel of a few centimeters combined with a tip just fashion show can create an optical effect of lengthening that will go to all your outfits.
If you love flat boots and do not want to give them up, opt for models with a wide leg. It leaves some freedom of movement for the leg. You can wear them with socks and leggings of the same color. Also, in this case, the result will be consistent and harmonious on the figure. A tight leg creates a horizontal break line that is too clear on the figure, penalized by the absence of the heel, will be less fluid.
Is it necessary to widen the upper?
Remember that in most shops, both online and traditional, you can return the product. To cross the urban jungle with a sure footing, during the next boot purchase, please be careful! A splendid choice will be modeled with a wide and soft upper. They are practical and loved by women all over the world.
How to dress if you have thick calves or thin ankles?
High heels are welcome, which helps to slim the figure and thin the ankles. However, we must be careful when choosing the type of heel. Both stiletto heels are not recommended, or those that are too thin. They stress the disproportion because they contribute to making the area.
How to wear ankle boots to slim your legs?
Those who love to wear ankle boots without pantyhose with bare legs, even in the middle of winter in the name of style, will have to accept a compromise to better slim the figure: dark-colored ankle boots.
It can be enemies of the silhouette unless accompanied by a pair of tights in the same dark shade. It does not matter if sheer or more opaque: dark tights, impeccable if in the same color as the ankle boots, can create the slender silhouette effect precisely.
They guarantee, to the eye, a continuity between the leg and the foot. Thus, they make the legs appear longer and the taller and slender physique. Therefore, with black ankle boots, it will be appropriate to wear black socks, and so for all the dark colors of the ankle boots.
Final Words
Ignore the motto of the geishas that to be beautiful you have to suffer and focus on high boots with a wide leg. With them, you can also go to the end of the world. But maybe, for now, forget about distant travels, and linger on the walk with friends.
To ensure maximum comfort and hide imperfections, choose the ruffled boots with wide calfskin in suede. Combine it with a black wide dress that will also slim your silhouette and a knee-length leather coat. Emphasize the look with stylish accessories with a wide bracelet and trunk bag.
